Lipid storage disorders (or
lipidoses) are a group of inherited
metabolic disorders in which harmful amounts of
lipids (fats) accumulate in some of the body’s
cells and tissues. People with these disorders either do not produce enough of one of the
enzymes needed to metabolize lipids or they produce enzymes that do not work properly. Over time, this excessive storage of fats can cause permanent cellular and tissue damage, particularly in the
brain,
peripheral nervous system,
liver,
spleen and
bone marrow.